"It is imperative for schools to search for ways to become more energy efficient and send an important message to the community, teachers, and students. The message is that schools will lead by example in finding ways to help protect the environment. Heating and cooling systems are some of the most notoriously inefficient utility systems in schools. It's a win-win when those utilities can be modified to be more effective and efficient. A school's carbon footprint is reduced while the savings can be redirected to children in the classroom."
Former Superintendent
MSD Southwest Allen
Fort Wayne, Indiana
"Southwest Allen County Schools has a district-wide commitment to energy conservation and cost containment. As a result, we elected to go with a geothermal system for our two new elementary school buildings. Their high performance led us to pursue a unique geothermal solution offered by Performance Services when renovating Haverhill Elementary. Before the project, Haverhill was our least efficient school in terms of energy use, but now the school is 34% more energy efficient and the clean energy solution has reduced energy costs at Haverhill by $28,837 in 2008 alone."
Director of Maintenance Services
Southwest Allen CS
Haverhill Elementary - Southwest Allen County Schools
- Geothermal with heat recovery chiller system
- Awarded the ENERGY STAR in April 2009
- 40% more energy efficient
Challenge
In 2005, Haverhill Elementary was the least energy efficient out of 10 buildings at Southwest Allen County Schools based on cost per square foot. Originally built in 1981 with a traditional central plant, it had a water cooled chiller with inefficient and oversized boilers. The chiller/cooling tower combination was expensive, had outlived its usefulness, and was in dire need of replacement.
Sustainable Solution
After reviewing multiple options from different providers, a unique and innovative geothermal system proposed by Performance Services was clearly the best overall solution. The hybrid design utilizes much of the existing air and water distribution, saving significant dollars. The geothermal system relies on a heat recovery chiller (rather than heat pumps) and a vertical well field for all central plant heating and cooling needs.
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Optimal Learning Environment
In addition, students at Haverhill enjoy an optimal learning environment with certified indoor air quality, thermal comfort and optimal lighting. All pre-requisites for achieving the ENERGY STAR label of superior K-12 school performance.
Result
"A disciplined approach to energy conservation is a priority for SACS and has been since we implemented our first significant initiative in 1994. Since that time we have completed three performance contract-based projects, opted for renewable energy systems when designing new schools (4 have been built in the last 15 years), and have made it a part of our overall culture here at SACS. The school board receives regular energy conservation reports of our goals to reduce energy related costs, implementation strategies, and results.
Making use of geothermal with the natural heating and cooling power of the earth is not only sustainable but also makes excellent economic sense for our school district," noted Mike Lindsey, former Director of Maintenance Services.
